Functionalisation of materials

The surfaces of all implants represent the interface between material and biological environment. The functionalisation of surfaces, such as the targeted "printing" of chemically different areas on silicon, metal or polymer surfaces on a nanometre scale, enables further miniaturisation of sensors that can monitor their functions in or on the body and, if necessary, control the delivery of drugs from a connected system.

By functionalising surfaces, improved biocompatibility of the surfaces of e.g. intracorporeal sensors is achieved, thus reducing the foreign detection/tissue encapsulation that often occurs as a reaction of the body to external (non-biocompatible) components. Thus, the process optimises the biocompatibility, corrosion protection, antimicrobial effect and overall retention time of implants.